New homes often fall apart in a decade while older ones last a century, not because of materials but because of gaps in construction that let moisture in and cause rot. Skilled workmanship costs about $5 more per hour but saves tens of thousands in repairs down the line.
How to get a home that still looks great after 100 years instead of falling apart after 10. At first glance, most new homes look good. The tapware is bright and shiny, the surfaces are free from stains, and the paint is fresh and clean. The problem is most people can't easily tell the difference between a home that looks good and a home that is good. For many homeowners, that initial excitement Soon turns to disappointment, even devastation, when their tiles lift, their shower roof leaks, cracks appear over the doorways, and mould develops in corners that face external walls. Not to mention, the first sign of cold or hot weather and they are forced to run their air conditioner flat out to stay comfortable. They don't build them like they used to. Old homes may lack many modern features and conveniences, but you can't say they weren't built solid. There are plenty of homes in the Adelaide Hills that are 100 years old, but I very much doubt many of the homes built today will last anywhere near that long, except our Enduro Builders homes. What makes one house last and last while 10 others degrade prematurely? Quality building materials is obviously important, but most homes today are made from similar products, so why do some last while others develop problems? The key is workmanship. Any tradesperson can slap a house together, but if you know where to look, you'll see gaps and openings. And for every gap you see, you'll know another 10 have been patched with plaster and paint. Why are gaps so bad? Gaps not only compromise the thermal performance of your home, causing it to be uncomfortably cold and hot, but they also leave your home vulnerable to moisture, and even full-blown water. Moisture quickly develops into dangerous mould, especially in corners that face external walls, making your home unhealthy and potentially dangerous to live in. Persistent moisture, especially full-blown water, will rot the timber in your home prematurely, degrading the structure. A single drop a day over a decade can cause part of your house to collapse. You must keep the structure of your home completely dry. How to get rid of gaps. Once gaps appear, they can be very difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to fully rectify, but they are quite easily avoided in the first place. You just need to use skilled tradespeople with the right attention to detail. The good news is quality tradespeople that produce quality work only cost marginally more than average Joes that leave your home full of gaps. In fact, it will probably only cost you around $5 an hour more to have things done right first time. Saving you tens of thousands in repairs down the track. Free expert advice to help you get a home that lasts 100 years or more. Building a home that lasts decades, can be passed down to your children, is not rocket science. It does take attention to detail, both in design and construction, and something as seemingly minor as a few gaps can make the difference between a home that is rock solid in 100 years and a home that is falling apart after 10. Whether you're ready to build or still looking at your options, one of the best things you can do is pick up a copy of our special report, The 5 Keys of an Energy Efficient Builder.
